Too-Clever IX: Darell and Bobo (Volume 9)
#9 in Too-Clever Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Eleven-year-old Darell Ruben eagerly anticipates turning twelve, a transformative year when his body will start changing in preparation for becoming a teenager. While Darell hopes for a hairy body like his dad's, he's also nervous about what turning twelve will entail, especially as it leads to the 'terrible teens' his mom often warns him about. As his twelfth birthday approaches, Darell is filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, wondering how these changes will shape his identity.
Discussion points
Why do you think Darell chose to help Bobo, and what would you have done in his place?
How did Darell and Bobo's friendship change throughout the story?
What are some ways Darell showed he was clever in the book? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem creatively?
How do you think Bobo felt when Darell helped him, and why is it important to support our friends?
What lessons did you learn from Darell and Bobo’s adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Darell and Bobo, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork highlighted in the book, asking your child about their thoughts on these values.
Praise your child's insights and relate them back to real-life scenarios to reinforce understanding and retention of the book's themes.
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of actions and the importance of clever problem-solving in daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Too-Clever IX: Darell and Bobo,' the two main characters must work together to solve puzzles and navigate challenges, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or playing team sports, learning how to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Darell and Bobo use their unique skills and thinking outside the box to overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether in their academic tasks or personal hurdles, fostering innovative thinking from a young age.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter various difficulties throughout their adventure, but they persistently push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to not easily give up on their goals, whether it involves completing a difficult homework assignment, mastering a new skill, or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Darell and Bobo often encounter characters with different perspectives and backgrounds, learning to understand and empathize with them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diversity and practice empathy, essential skills for interacting respectfully and understandingly with others in their community and beyond.